A Little Bohemian

The day was slightly busy today.  I worked on actual work as well as grew my office art gallery (since I am out of office supplies, I have moved onto origami).  My boss' reaction?  "That's a little scary."  My response, "Scary good, or scary bad?"  He didn't elaborate since we were in the middle of a meeting.  Being that he is a bit of a smart ass, I'm sure this is not the last commentary I will get from him regarding my masterpieces. 

So it turns out that mother nature is going to strike North Carolina this weekend in the form of hurricane Irene.  Yay! I can't wait.  I am already preparing for the travel hell that will surely be a part of my experience this weekend.  It's a shame, I was really looking forward to this weekend.

Well, I'm trying not to dwell on the impending weekend of natural disaster as it is bumming me out.  So on to today's outfit.  I was feeling a little bohemian today.  Bohemian is probably what matches my personality best.  Being an eccentric, hermit fits into the bohemian free and mixed style.  I love this style because it has few rules, requires fun and exotic patterns, and most importantly, is fully of color.  The outfit today is how I interpret the bohemian style.  I am probably totally off, but who cares, right?  As long as one feels terrific in what they wear, that is all that really matters.  I decided awhile ago that life is too short to worry about other people's perceptions of one's appearance.  Perhaps this wasn't the most work appropriate outfit, but sometimes you have to show your real self, even if it is just for a moment.

Red Shoes

Red is such a fantastic color. Whether worn as a primary color in an outfit or as an accent. Red looks good on just about anybody and anything. I have been on the hunt for a pair of great red shoes. Believe it or not, the are somewhat hard to find. So imagine my delight when I found this vintage number at a thrift store. They are leather, pointy, and timeless (well I like to think they are).

I had another great day. It was training mostly, which is always a good thing, since that way one has some clue as to what they are doing. I got new glasses recently (I only wear them to drive and watch TV). I love this design because they give a nod to the cats eye style of yesteryear, while still being hip. The hubs says I look like an old woman to which I quipped back "That's right, because they have style."  He says the same thing about my vintage purses. (This coming from a man who loves polo shirts.)  Well enough of my rambling, below is what I wore today.  Tomorrow, I'm thinking of wearing a floral white number I recently scored for $1.

Top: Carole Little; Skirt: The Limited (thrifted); Shoes: Mina (thrifted); Jewelry: self-made

106 Degrees!

You read that right, it was 106 degrees outside on my drive back from work.  It was 90 on the way to work.  I heard on the radio that in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia it was 90 degrees.  I don't know about you, but something seems off about that.  Maya is probably boiling.  (The Mr. is out right now hunting down a portable air conditioner.)  Since I couldn't very well go to work naked today, I wore this whimsical red paisley number.  It also happens to be made with silk.  Silk......., sorry, my brain sort of stops working when I utter the name of this luxurious material.  I bought this at a Goodwill awhile ago and loved it because it is red, flowy, has paisley print, and of course, is made out of silk.  I will officially come out of the paisley closet and admit I love this frumpy kind of print.  The color combinations are so endless, it suits my eccentric style.

The sandals I purchased at a DSW a few days ago.  I thought they were kinda expensive, but the Mr. was so insistent I caved.  They have a made-in-ancient-Rome look.  Having been to Rome, a very charming city, I love how these shoes remind me of that fantastic trip (I went with my mom, who had never been to a European city).  Finally we come to the jewelry.  I made the earrings, necklace, and bracelet.  The ring was a gift from my grandmother.  I would write something more witty today, but it is just too hot.

Dress: Ice (thrifted)
Shoes: MIA
Jewelry: Made by me

The Human Touch

On most days I consider myself to be a solitary person. Solitude seems to be essential in my ability to function. When people ask me to describe myself, I say that I am a modern day hermit, someone who doesn't really enjoy people. Humans, in general, are complicated, and too often unpleasant. Sometimes though, that same calming solitude, can be torture. It is a fine balance between serenity and loneliness.

This past weekend and today are fine examples of when the human touch can be nourishing to both the mind and soul. There are times when all of us need the company of friends and the appreciation of colleagues. We humans are social creatures after all. Interaction with other sentient beings is essential to our way of being.

The Mr. and I went to a potluck on Saturday where we spent several hours eating good food and having an engaging conversation with a physicist and former dancer (get your mind out of the gutter, she was not that kind of dancer). We talked about our families, the problems that ail our society, relationships, careers, but most of all we laughed. One cannot laugh and feel the full joy of that activity without the company of others. This brief moment was so perfect, I wish I could have bottled it up so I could bring it out in trying times. It never fails to amaze me how such pleasure can be had doing the simplest of activities.

Saturday Outfit to Potluck
Dress: Kohls
Purse: Wilsons Leather
Shoes: DSW
Necklace and Earrings: Made by me

            

Chickpea Dish Ingredients: Organic garbanzo beans, organic onions,organic potatoes, organic pasta sauce, Himalayan sea salt, Organic cayan pepper, Organic black pepper, grapeseed oil, Organic turmeric, allspice, curry  powder, organic ginger.
Riata (yogurt dish): Organic yogurt, organic cucumbers, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, organic cayan pepper, black
pepper, tamarind sauce

The perfection of that moment was followed by spending time with Maya on the beach the following day. My baby girl was unsure of the water at first, but with a little coaxing, she seemed to recognize its potential. She also thoroughly enjoyed chasing an inky black great dane that looked a bit like Marmaduke (albeit smaller). Needless to say, the weekend was pretty perfect. God, how I love having a dog. Hermits, it turns out, really enjoy pets.

Maya frolicking at the beach....

Enjoying the view

Splashing around

Making new friends

Playing with daddy

Posing with mommy

Finally, we come to today. I emailed my farewell note to everyone today. The response was overwhelming in a positive direction. I had no idea that so many people thought so highly of me, or would miss me for that matter. I always assumed no one noticed, it turns out I was wrong. No matter how awkward one is, or how reserved, we all want to be noticed. It is a shame we wait so long to tell people the things we think are great about them. Imagine what the world would be like if we spent half our time telling those we interact with everyday how their presence makes a difference in our lives. While I always say please and thank you, I don't tell people often enough how great they are. At this next job, I resolve to do this more. With those I care about, I resolve to do this half the time at minimum. After I tell people that I am a modern day hermit, I always point out, that hermits have hearts too. Ours are just more more prone to break than regular folks. So we have to spend a little more effort protecting them.

Outfit today.... 

100% Thrifted
Top: Urban Behavior
Skirt: The Limited
Shoes: BCBG

Snow!

I have been a bit lazy the last few days and have not posted anything.  I ended up falling asleep.  It has been extremely cold the last few days.  There must be some sort of weather system passing through.  Today we got some flurries, so naturally everyone decided to become paranoid and drive 5 miles an hour all the way to work this morning.  It was great fun.  Anyway,  my outfit choices thus far have been so so.  I had a client meeting yesterday and wore a suit, which is a nice change from the usual.  Today I ended up wearing all velvet, which is a little different.  The end of the year is finally drawing to a close.  It is amazing how fast this year has gone by.  Anyway, here are my outfits for the last three days.

Monday                                                  Tuesday

 

Today..

Off to a Party!

I went to some stores today, but I will admit I didn't keep to my different outfit everyday rule.  Laziness was the primary factor there.  Yesterday, I went to a friend's birthday party, and yes, I stuck to my rule.  Overall this experiment is going very well, I have essentially not repeated an outfit for about three months.  I still have plenty left in my wardrobe, so the experiment continues on.  Anyway, I bought this dress at a thrift store primarily because I loved the color.  Unfortunately, it didn't fit.  Now it does, so I thought this would be the perfect occasion to wear it.  I got the tights at a sock store in the mall, the shoes are Jessica Simpson, the bangle was a gift from my grandma, and I made the earrings.

It's Hot Cocoa Season :)

Well the temperatures just keep dropping.  This leaves me wanting to come home, get under the covers, and veg out.  Not exactly productive.  I did make dinner today though, in a half hearted effort to try to win the battle against lethargy.  Thus far, the lethargy seems to be winning.  Work is hectic as usual.  Although the craziness seems to be more muted this week, which I am grateful for.  I did not feel all that inspired today.  My outfit is as follows: the top is a gift, the skirt is from Express, and the boots are Michael Kors.  I will try to do better with tomorrow's fashion choice.

Off to my European Adventure - (Week 8)

This week has been very crazy so I have not been able to post anything.  I am off to my trip today.  Before I went I thought I would share my uninspired outfits for the week.  I will be back on on Thanksgiving day.  So here are my outfits for the week.

 

Cultural Weekend - Day 54

This was a cultural weekend for me.  I went to a religious festival yesterday with the hubs and a friend.  That was fun since I got to wear a sari.  Today was cleaning the house day before mom comes (tomorrow).  Needless to say not everything is done.  Oh well, I'm not going to worry about it.  Here's to a good week before the start of my European adventure.  This is what I wore today: the t-shirt is target, I don't remember where I got the sweater, skirt, or boots.  The sari was a gift.

 

Happy for Friday - Day 53

Well, I am glad it is the weekend.  Although this weekend will be primarily house cleaning and other domestic chores.  All of this in preparation for my mother's visit.  I wore a red and brown combo today.  I was going to wear beige pants, but it reminded me to much of the outfit employees at Target and decided against it.  So here is what I wore today:  the sweater is AB studio, the pants are from a suit, and the shoes are Jessica Simpson.

Only Tuesday - Day 49 and Day 50 (week 7)

I had another night run into early morning yesterday (2:30 am).  Yes it was for work.  This is the primary reason I am posting both yesterday's and today's pics in one post.  The temperatures have really dropped and by the time I get to work I can't feel my feet.  I think it's a sign that the fall is coming to an end.  Anyway, today is going to be short post.  I am a bit tired from yesterday.  I also got up early so the hubs and I could go vote before we went to work.  I love voting, I feel like it is the one thing that makes me equal to all the rich and powerful people in the country.  It may be simplistic, but that is how it seems to me.  That and because it has only been two generations that women, or men for that matter, in my family have had the right to vote.  So for me, voting carries a special meaning.  Ok, enough of my soapbox.  Yesterday I wore an all velvet number:  the top is harve bernard, the skirt is forever 21, and the shoes are Michael Kohrs.  Today I decided to go with something from business casual: the top is banana republic, the pants are from a suit (Larry Levine), and the shoes are nine west.

 

Almost Friday - Day 38

Well it is almost Friday.  Yay!  I am working from home tomorrow (I have to get a dress fitted for a wedding I am going to) so that will be a nice break from my daily commute.    My adventure to Europe is also fast approaching, another exciting thing to look forward to.  I love formal events, so I can't wait for this wedding, it should be lovely.  I haven't been to very many weddings and with none of my single friends having plans to marry any time soon (this would be most of my friend circle), any opportunity is always welcome.  I love weddings of all types.  It is fascinating to me how no matter what religion or culture one is from, there seems to be a universal theme to marriage when it comes time for the rituals.  It is the ritual after all that makes any wedding unique and special.  I suppose I am a bit nostalgic since my own wedding was so many years ago.  I guess there is the vows renewal thing that we could do down the line.  Anyway, here is my outfit for today:  The shirt is Kate Scott, the skirt is Ann Taylor (thrifted), the sweater is Nicole Miller, and the shoes are Steve Madden.

Business Casual - Day 35 (week 5)

Today was another typical day.  Although this week is looking like another chaotic one.  I am prepared for the week, what with being recharged from our trip to Vermont and all.  It is also looking like this week is going to have rain and lower tempertures.  Which, in my mind, calls for boots.  Ahhh, how I love boots.  It is really a shame that they can only be worn for a couple of months out of the year.  On a different topic, I am going to a wedding at the end of month, also very exciting.  I have to get the dress I'm wearing fitted though.  I found this alterations place that time forgot.  It is run by this elderly Eastern European woman.  She has an ancient sewing machine to boot.  I am just so charmed by her, I want to give her something of mine to alter.  Anyway, here is my outfit for today:  the jacket is from an old suit, the pants are New York & Co., the shirt is Tahari, the shoes are Polvini, and the necklace is a gift from my grandmother.  Who incidently is just hilarious.  She told me that this necklace was her favorite.  Isn't that sweet?  Well there you have it: grandma's are the best.  I'm lucky mine is still around.

A Day for Red - Day 30

It appears the one month mark has arrived.  Damn, I have a lot of clothes!  It is amazing what you find in your closet once you start digging.  Not to mention that I am not anywhere close to being out of different outfit combinations.  On a different note, I didn't end up making two culinary dishes last night.  The pasta dish took so long, it was to late to start the other one.  While it was not a culinary masterpiece, it was edible.  At my skill level that's a victory.  As I have mentioned in a previous post, red is my favorite color.  So as you might guess, this outfit is one I especially like.  It incorporates all the various hues of red in one pretty package.  So with that here is my outfit for today:  the top is Banana Republic, the skirt is New York & Co., the shoes are Jessica Simpson, and the jewelry is made by me.

A Day at the CSA - Day 20

Today was another glorious fall day.  We spent part of the day volunteering at Harvest Fest for our local CSA.  CSA stands for community supported agriculture.  Essentially they are farm co-ops.  Members of a CSA pay a yearly sum and enjoy the crops that are grown for a certain number of weeks, typically this is the growing season in your geographic region.  Most CSA's use organic farming techniques (crop rotation, integrated pest management, no use of pesticides or herbicides).  My CSA raises organic produce and is only 5 miles from my house.  I was on a one year waiting list to get in and now that I have participated, it is by far one of the best changes I have made to my lifestyle.  I look forward to my weekly pick up and it is especially nice to know where my food comes from.  The food also tastes much, much better.  The Harvest Festival was fun, I manned the pumpkin painting station.  Young children are always a hoot.  This is what I wore:  The top is from H&M, the dress is from Marshalls, and I don't remember where I got the shoes.

Week 2 - Day 15

Well it is finally boots season.  I love boots.  My husband says I look silly in them since I am so short (I vehemently disagree).  I got into a minor fendor bendor this morning (I stopped at a yellow light and the person behind me ran into me).  That put a damper on the day.  Add to that the dreary weather.  Regardless, I have resolved to not let it upset me.  The accident could have been worse, and the rain could be coming down harder.  Besides, this is the kind of weather that it is ideal for boots.  Here is my outfit for today.  The dress is from Ross.  The tights are from Charlotte Ruse and the shoes are Ralph Lauren (from DSW).

Dress Up Day - Day 14

I didn't go anywhere today since it was raining and cloudy.  As a result I don't have a outfit to post tonight.  However, given the dreary weather I decided to play dress up.  The hubs was off doing his own thing, leaving me with ample time to try on different clothes and take pictures to my hearts content.  I love formal clothing.  Unfortunately I don't very many opportunities to wear them.  My formal clothes have been sitting in my closet collecting dust, so I decided to pull them out, dust them off, and spend some time feeling pretty.  I have two types of formal clothing that I equally love.  The first is western formal clothes and the second is saris.  I looooove saris.  If I could I would wear them everyday, I would.  Alas, like my beloved evening gowns, they too collect dust in my closet.  Well the first set of pics are my favorite evening formal wear.

I got this dress many years ago.  I tried it on in the dressing room and it was love at first sight.  I think I might have worn it once to a broadway musical.  It is a Jessica McKlintock number and I am just waiting for the right occasion to don it again.  This qualifies as my favorite evening dress of the ones I own.

This dress is one I bought at a consignment store.  It is one of those black timeless pieces that never go out of style.  I just love the cut of this dress.  I haven't had the chance to wear this yet, but hopefully that will change in the near future.  The dress is by Tahari, a brand that seems to always make really well designed clothing.

 

I bought these two beauties at H&M.  They are fun and pretty and can be worn out on the town or at a more formal even.  The purple one I love because it is lace and speaks to my inner goth.  The green one is fun and simply adorable.  I haven't worn them yet, but chances are good they will worn before my other formal pieces.

As I mentioned before, I love saris.  They are my favorite type of clothing.  If I had the option, I would wear saris all the time.  The saris that I have the most fondness for are traditional silk saris.  This sari is a traditional number from southern India.  It is black and has green and maroon as the complimenting colors.  I have worn this once, and it is among one of my favorites.

 

















My mother in law gave me this sari when I got married.  It is very intricate and shiny.  It too is silk.  I am not sure what region of India this is from, but I love this color and this is also in favorites pile.

This is my favorite sari.  It is the sari I got married in.  This is a Veranasi sari.  Veranasi is famous for there saris (among other things).  This type of sari is characterised by intricate work in gold woven into silk.  Back in the day this is the type of stuff royalty and the elite wore.  The artisans who make these works of art pass on their skills to their children who carry on the art form.  Unfortunately, with globalization the demand for this type of garment has gone down and many of these artisans find themselves in destitution.  I am saddened by this sort of thing and so now when I buy or gift saris I make it a point to buy the ones that are still made by artisans.  The world will be less rich a place if this art form is no longer practiced.

I had pictures of other saris and dresses, but they didn't come out as nicely, so they didn't make the cut for the post tonight.  Well, I feel refreshed and am ready to start another week.

An Ode to the Edwardian Era- Day 9

As I was picking out my outfits for this week, I discovered that I own alot of black clothing.  So the theme for this week is to wear clothing that is not black.  Only black accesories allowed.  Today's outfit was inspired by the Edwardian era.  I love old things, and I especially love the clothing of the Victorian and Edwardian period.  I love the lace, the rich fabrics, the craftsmanship, and the formality.  We don't have enough places to dress up and feel pretty anymore.  It's a shame, because as women living in a society where every female image is retouched, we are in dire need of situations to feel beautiful.  So here is my out fit for today.  The pants are from Kohls.  The shirt is Limited, but it is thrifted.  The blazer is also Limited, and I don't remember where I got it.  The belt is from Express, and the shoes are BCBG.

Week 2-The fall chill is in the air: Day 8

I don't what happened today, but I seemed to have gotten out of bed a bit discombobulated.  It took me two tries to button my shirt this morning, and two cups of coffee to get to a level of alertness that typically takes only one.  I'm feeling more energized now and for the most part the week has started off well.  I like this outfit today, primarily because red is my favorite color.  I think I bought the shirt at Kohls.  The pants are from the GAP, the shoes are from Ross, and the belt is thrifted.

Day 2

Well, here is my outfit today.  It is a red safari inspired number.  This came with a fabric belt, but I thought the black belt would change things up a little.  I had a good day at work (I got some recognition on work I had been doing for almost a year) and the day was perfect both in terms of the weather and temperature.  Sometimes things come together in just the right way.  Those are the moments to savor, they don't come often enough.  My husband has been taking my pictures in the morning before I head off to work (hence the bleary eyed look) and finds this exercise amusing.  I bought the dress at K&G and the shoes at Ross, the belt is thrifted.